short bow vs. longerbow

[10point]

I have been told that a longer recurve is easier to shoot and maybe more accurate ( for some shooters ) than a sorter length bow. Just curious if anyone has any has experienced an improvement in accuracy after switching to a longer bow?? Is there less stacking with a longer bow??

[stabow]

I for one could never shoot a short bow well. Come to think about it I don’t shoot a longer bow very well either. I just like longer bows better.....stabow

[ron w]

In most cases a longer bow means more working limb and at a given poundage it would be smoother/easier to draw. Longer bows have less finger pinch than short ones from the angle of the string. As far as stacking, depending on your draw length even long bows can stack if their design is not right. Short bows work well from ground blinds, tree stands, tent blinds and such. bows of longer length can be used in the same places but you have to watch your limb clearances. As far as accuracy.......it's mostly the shooter, not the bow!!

[bmfer]

Even when I shot com#@&nd, I liked a longer bow. I've had bows of different length, and in my opinion, longer has always been smoother to draw. If smoother to draw makes you more comfortable, you will probably be more accurate. This may be elementary to some, but I'm no brain surgeon!  

[Muleyslayer]

I'm new so take this for what its worth. I shot short wheelie bows so uneducated I bought a 48" recurve.  Three years I shot that little thing thinking I was pretty good, then I found this site and started wondering what could be. Well I ordered a 62" td. longbow and my first 5 arrows (that weren't even tuned to the bow) shot at 15 yrds. all arrows were touching and I'm only getting better. The down side is gonna be getting used to hunting with the bow , but the way I'm shooting this thing, Boy things are gonna die this season!!  Go LONG!!!!!!!  

[amar911]

Longer is easier to shoot well. Shorter is easier for many hunting situations, especially in tight quarters. I shoot a lot of short bows and love them. They are not competition bows; nevertheless, I can shoot a short bow just fine for most situations. Life is a compromise, and so is a bow.

Allan

[stickbowmaniac]

The longer the better for me.My draw length is only 27".I prefer bows from 60" on up.More forgiving and less finger pinch.

[684Kevin]

Longer bows seem to be more forgiving.  I tend to have a cleaner release on longer bows.  Arrow tuning is easier and consistent.  Shorter bows are more difficult for me to tune an arrow through paper.  Probably has more to do with my release of the string.

[Bowhunter4life]

I agree with a lot of the above, I'd say I found a compromise between short and long.  Meaning 48" - 72", I like 60" +/- 2".  Short enough to get into most hunting situations and long enough to work with my 29" - 30" draw depending on the grip of the bow.

[screamin]

Lots of good info above but for me and my 28" draw combined with the type of hunting I do, a 58 or 60" fits the need. What you really have to consider too and it is just as important as length, is the grip. If your not getting exact hand placement every time, especially in hunting situations, your accuracy will suffer. This was so important to me, I took a file to the handle of the bow I shoot the best, and had for 8 yrs or so recently, to get it just right. I fit that baby to my hand so when I grab the bow to shoot my hand lays in there the same everytime. It made a big difference and my groups and my accuracy have improved considerably. ymmv

[Gunnar Mullins]

man you guys are hating the short bows!!
I shot a 60" recurve for about 4 years until a few weeks ago I was given a 52" recurve made by ben pearson. I love it and am shooting just as good, if not better than with my 60".
I think its mainly in the shooter.

[crotch horn]

I just ordered a 54" Lost Creek Longbow. Love short bows but they are not for everyone. My favorite hunting bow the past couple of years has been my 62" Mikuta recurve. Shoots and draws so smoothly. Shoot as many bows as you can and decide what works for you.

[Earthdog]

I like longer bows.
62" recurve,68" longbow.
Very smooth drawing.

[Hopewell Tom]

Two good articles in Trad Bowhunter by Fred Asbell several issues ago spoke to the question quite well, I thought. The Case for the Short Bow and The Case for the Long Bow. At the end of each, you're thinking "I'm going to get a short/long bow!"
I asked this same question a bit ago here and the answers seemed the same. Long bow more accurate/easier to shoot, but the short bow guys are happy too. If possible have a one(or more) of each, depending on circumstance and use.

[10point]

Thanks guys,,, I know I can always count on Tradgang when I have questions.

[James Wrenn]

Another vote for longer bow here.    I believe in using the longest bow that will fit in the place you need to go.Short bows have there place in enclosed blinds of course but I want a longer bow everywhere else. Never seen the need of using a short bow in a tree or on the ground.I had rather have the extra accuracy and performance of the longer bow in most cases.jmo

[Night Wing]

Longer bow for me too since I've got a 30" draw length. If there is one thing I can't abide, it's finger pinch.

[Yellow Dog]

Myself, I can shoot a short bow as well as a longer bow when I'm shooting in the basement, my backyard or at the range. When I can take my time and really concentrate on form and release. In a hunting situation I opt for the longer bow which is much more forgiving when "perfect form" isn't always possible to get the shot off.

[Todweelz]

Recently got my 56" tanjavur longbow, have always shot 60" recurves, don't feel any difference w/ shorter bow pulls smooth, shoots very accurate, could just be well designed bow just my two cents. Todd

[joekeith]

Well I shoot from 46" to 64" bows.  For snap shooting I really like the short ones.  Also like 'em for confined or real brushy spots.  The string angle just doesn't seem to bother me.

The longer bows are fine, but have limitations, for me, in confined areas. They may be a little more forgiving, but I believe if you do your part the short bow will do it's part.

My wife just went from a 68" bow, cause that's just what we got a good deal on first, to a 46" bow.  After waiting on a bow for her since Christmas that just couldn't get finished as promised by the "bowyer"    we were able to get a great little bow from our own Brad Jansen here.    She shoots this better than any other bow she's shot. That is after Big Jim turned us onto the right arrows for it.  Thanks Big Guy, and thanks a ton Brad.